Column: It's a good possibility Ohio hosts a 2016 national political convention

Ohio has a decent chance to host a national political convention in 2016 especially after Cleveland and Cincinnati both advanced to the final six cities under consideration for the Republican National Convention.
Columbus along with Phoenix, had been part of the mix until informed April 2 that they no longer were in the running.
However, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman said on Twitter that his city would focus its efforts to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention. The campaign to select a Democratic convention host city isnít as far along in the process.
If Cleveland is unsuccessful to win the bid to host the Republican convention, then I think its leaders would most likely ó depending on the timing of when that decision is made ó follow the same path as Columbus to try to land the Democratic convention.
Whatís next though for Cleveland and Cincinnati is to host a small team of Republican National Committee staff members who will visit the cities still in the running.
The other four cities remaining in contention are Dallas, Denver, Kansas City and Las Vegas.
Republican National Committee staff members will take a more in-depth and technical look in the six cities regarding issues of financing, convention venues, media workspace and hotels.
If everything goes well for Cleveland and/or Cincinnati the committee would make a determination to give the cities an official site visit from the full RNC delegation.
The effort in Cleveland is one made by both sides of the aisle as Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, both Democrats, are involved.
Jackson said in a statement that Clevelandís bid is the result of a collaborative effort of the city, Cuyahoga County, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Downtown Cleveland Alliance and Positively Cleveland.
The mayor also said that according to Positively Cleveland, the city is in the middle of a $3 billion revitalization of visitor-related infrastructure, including the addition of seven new hotels and the development of Cleveland as a destination for both business and leisure travelers.
FitzGerald said in a news release that hosting a national political convention would be an incredible opportunity and would bring in as many as 35,000 visitors and up to $200 million in net economic benefits for the region.
Cuyahoga County Council also has pledged $2.5 million to support the campaign and if successful to enter into a contract with the appointed lead law enforcement agency to contribute up to $2.5 million in law enforcement services and resources for the convention.
Itís great to see this type of bipartisan effort as part of an agenda to do something that could have such a positive impact on the region.
It would also be great fun to have such a big event whether it would be a Republican or Democratic convention right here in Northeast Ohio.
Politically, the state will likely continue to be a key swing state that could mean the difference for a presidential candidateís win or loss. A convention in Ohio sure would make things a bit more interesting.
Plus, itís always worth noting how important our state has been in the process to elect a president, especially since no Republican has ever been elected without winning Ohio.Fundies
* Fundraiser cooking demonstration and dinner for Kim Laurie, candidate for Lake County commissioner, with special guest Chef Dan Esquivel, 6 to 10 p.m. April 5 at the Fidanza residence in Mentor. See Laurie.
* Fundraiser for Chris Galloway, candidate for Lake County commissioner, with special guests Steve LaTourette and Ohio Senate Majority Leader Tom Patton, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 9 at Mentor Harbor Yacht Club. See Brandon Dynes or Scott Marn.
* Mitchell DíAmico, candidate for Lake County Common Pleas Court judge, hosts fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. April 10 at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake. See Lynn DíAmico.
* Lake County Treasurer Lorraine M. Fende hosts a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 22 at Dinoís Restaurant & Banquet Center in Willoughby. See Ed & Cindy Hughes.

Read John Arthur Hutchisonís political commentary throughout the week at NorthernOhioLocalPolitics.blogspot.com.
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
@newsheraldjah

About the Author

John is a veteran multimedia journalist who covers government and politics in Lake County. He loves running and Cleveland sports. Reach the author at jhutchison@news-herald.com
or follow John Arthur on Twitter: @newsheraldjah.